After two days of fighting, Yemen’s southern separatists, known as Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced on Saturday a ceasefire of clashes with government forces in the southern province of Shabwa.

In a statement, the STC demanded all parties in Shabwa to commit to the ceasefire which was urged by the Arab coalition, according to Reuters.

However, the STC commanded its forces to remain in their positions and maintain control over the institutions and properties they overtook, it warned any force to carry out any attacks against Saudi-led coalition forces.

The STC who seek self-rule in the south, turned on the government, which caused clashes between both sides, wherefore Saudi Arabia has called for a summit to end the war in Yemen, but the government refused to participate until the STC cede the territory they have seized.

The STC have seized the southern port city of Aden, the interim seat of Yemen’s government, extending their control to neighboring Abyan governorate last week.

The dispute has exposed the conflicting positions of regional allies; the Saudi Arabia and the UAE which backs the STC seeking self-rule, despite scaling down its presence in Yemen.